My favorite uncle, Gustavo, gave me a Kodak Instamatic 104 when I was just nine-years-old, making it possible for me to express myself through my subjects. Wanting to excel, I read everything I could find on the technical aspects of photography and I became fascinated by how different techniques could affect an image. Later, a black-and-white Polaroid, a Christmas gift from my mother who could scarcely afford the purchase, gave me a taste of the fun of instant prints! The little Kodak Instamatic was my primary tool for photography until my daughter was born in 1979 and I purchased a Minolta SLR. Suddenly, the world of possibilities exploded! With this camera, and its interchangeable lenses, I could capture every nuance of my beautiful little daughter's expressions, play with light, and preserve memories. In 1983, we were blessed with a second daughter and life became very busy. The Minolta went into the closet, only to come out for special occasions, including family gatherings, "before and after" shots of apartment remodels during my days as a property manager, and office parties at the phone company. Life moved forward in a blur and next thing I knew, I was teaching my youngest daughter, now high school yearbook editor, how to use my Minolta to take great photographs for her task.
Soon, there was a move to the suburbs, retirement, college graduation for one daughter and a wedding for the other - all in the same year! Suddenly, I found my nest empty and following another move to a new home, I turned to my old avocation, this time with exciting new technology. The digital age had dawned years before and I had lagged behind. I purchased a Nikon D80, my first digital SLR. Without the cost of film and processing, and the instant gratification of reviewing my images seconds after shooting them, photography became more affordable and infinitely rewarding. I delved into the art with renewed passion and enthusiasm, learning new techniques, and something which was not required in the days of film, photo editing and printing.
Today, I devote my time to writing, chasing butterflies, connecting with nature, and making the most of a wonderful life. I am proud to be the recipient of many awards for something I love doing so much and take every opportunity to exhibit my images, whether in print, online or in galleries. When I'm not shooting, I'm usually editing and when the weather turns warm, I head out for a run, a hike or a relaxing ride down the D&R Canal in a kayak, with my husband or a good companion. I may not have been born in the Garden State but I'm a "Jersey Girl" through and through. New Jersey is beautiful and I love showcasing its splendor in my images. Living in Somerset county, we have a rich history with deep, significant roots, the beauty of nature in all its forms surrounds me, and the enrichment that art brings into my life is within easy reach. I cannot imagine living anywhere else...
